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3 Signs Your Pavement Should Be Replaced

Paved surfaces should be designed to last. They should weather the repeated wear of automobiles, pedestrians and weather.

The problem is that no paved surface is designed to last forever. They may last anywhere from five to 25 years when maintained properly.

Knowing when to replace or repair your pavement is something that you need to know. This simple ability can save you time, headaches and money by helping you pick the best option for your surfaces.

Let’s explore some signs that your pavement should be replaced rather than just patched.

1. It’s Old

The age of pavement directly affects how strong it is. Older paved areas tend to have considerable damage from water, ultraviolet radiation, shifts in the ground and regular usage.

The effective maximum age for paved surfaces is different depending upon what it needs to do. Residential driveways can last between 20 to 30 years before they need to be replaced, but commercial parking lot approaches may need to be replaced after 10 years.

2. It Has Cracks

Cracks are normal to see in aging pavement or areas that have a large amount of traffic. They should remain small and be patched in a timely manner to prevent them from growing larger.

When pavement has cracks greater than a quarter of an inch, then it is likely time to replace it. Larger cracks tend to signify a larger problem that exists nearer to the bottom of the concrete, which tend to be the types of problems that cause potholes and other potentially dangerous effects.

3. It’s Moved

Pavement should remain relatively stationary when it is constructed properly. Underlying materials will help to minimize shifting of the ground, which in turn minimizes the effect that water and other environmental factors can have on it.

When pavement heaves or displaces more than a few degrees, then it is likely time that it should be replaced.

The reason replacing paved surfaces is better for moving pavement revolves around what this symptom signifies. Something may have been engineered improperly or the pavement has imperfections present since it was constructed.

Repairing would only be temporary solution in these cases.

Does Your Pavement Need to Be Replaced?

Paved surfaces should last through a decent amount of traffic for many years, but they are not designed to last forever. Even the best paved surfaces with low traffic many only last around 30 years.

By replacing your pavement rather than repairing it, you can save yourself money and headaches while ensuring that your pavement is safe to use.